Public health has long been a concern for rural America. In Nebraska, 34 counties have no hospitals within their borders, 14 of which don’t even have clinics. The 2019 floods and COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted where Nebraska struggles health-wise. However, this summer, the University of Nebraska Medical Center and the University of Nebraska­–Lincoln’s Rural Fellows program are teaming up to combat this issue.  

“There’s always been a need for healthcare in rural environments,” said Helen Fagan, program coordinator for the Rural Fellows. “But I feel like COVID sped it up and made the need even more pressing. Our hope is our Student Fellows from UNMC will help meet that shortage.”